South Africa is set to commemorate National Water Week

Water issues will be in the spotlight as the
Department of Water and Sanitation embarks on its annual Water Month activities
to highlight the importance of water in the livelihoods of the general public
and the country’s economy.

The
department said that discussions on water issues will be more streamlined
during National Water Week 2019, taking place from 18 – 24 March, when the
department will have various activities across the country to mark the United
Nations’ World Water Day on 22 March.

The
department said this year’s campaign, which is held under the theme ‘Leaving no
one behind: Water for all’, is set to bring to the fore government’s obligation
to ensure that all citizens have access to clean water.

“The theme
for this year’s Water Month is in line with the National Water and Sanitation
Master Plan, a guiding framework towards the attainment of service delivery of
basic services such as water and sanitation by 2030 and beyond.

“The
successful implementation of the Master Plan will also fulfil government’s
National Development Vision 2030 as well as the United Nations’ Sustainable
Development Goals set target of water of and sanitation for all by 2030. This
will be done through a collaborated water sector investment planning for the
development of water resources,” the department said.

The plan is
based on five key objectives that define the ‘new normal’ for water and
sanitation, and seeks to achieve:

The
department warned that water security will further be threatened as supply
decreases due to negative impacts on yield arising from climate change,
degradation of wetlands and water resources, siltation of dams, water losses
and escalating demand due to population and economic growth, urbanisation,
inefficient use, and changing lifestyles.

South
Africans currently consume more water per capita at approximately 237 litres
per day than the world average of approximately 173 litres per day. South
Africa has a semi-arid climate, with an average annual rainfall of 465
millimetres, compared to the world average of 860 millimetres.